Christmas Celebration Continues In January At Polish Cultural Foundation

CLARK — In Poland, according to the Roman Catholic tradition, Christmas celebrations begin on Dec. 24, with the “Wigilia” a dinner prepared with special traditional foods and singing of “Koledy” Christmas Carols at midnight Mass. The Christmas season doesn’t end until Feb. 2.

Following this tradition, the Polish Cultural Foundation invites all its members and the general public to its annual Jan. 5 Christmas concert under the direction of Jarek Kaczynski providing music, his great voice, as well as, some accordion music. To add diversity, singer and entertainer, Halina Makselan and Dorota Sobieski, PhD., violinist, will entertain the audience. Although most of the Christmas carols will be sung in Polish, some beloved English carols will be on the program. There will be sing-a-long and a Polish traditional breaking of the “Oplatek”, wafer, followed by a traditional Polish “Wigilia” dinner buffet.

As a special treat, under the direction of some of the teachers and parents from the Polish Supplementary School, children are welcomed to come to the Banquet Hall for a great fun afternoon of singing, games, their favorite food, but most of all a visit from St. Nicholas, bearing a gift for each child, a great way to finish off the Christmas season while the parents can relax and enjoy the Christmas concert.

The Christmas concert begins at 3 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 5 at the Polish Cultural Foundation, 177 Broadway, Clark, just off Exit 135 on the Garden State Parkway. The cost is $25 a person; children under 12 and students, $10. Admission includes a buffet style dinner of foods traditionally served at the Polish “Wigilia.” Home baked desserts and coffee are also included in the admission price. A cash bar will be available for adult beverages. Reservations are required and there may not be tickets available the day of the event. Call 732-382-7197 from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. (Monday – Friday) to reserve your seats. For more information, visit www.pcfnj.org